Chapter 201: When It Looks Up at the Starry Sky

The addition of the Mechanical Servant has brought great assistance to Xu Xi.

He is now completely free from the tedious maintenance of the laboratory.

Able to fully immerse himself in the embrace of science.

To enjoy.

To explore.

At an increasingly astonishing speed, he researches the various technologies of the human Federation.

With the help of 9090, Xu Xi has even repaired the Power Armor, making it operational again.

“Finally… after so long, it’s finally completed.”

The sunlight quietly passes through the collapsed beams and broken steel bars, only to be fragmented by countless mechanical debris, leaving just a few strands that fall sacredly in front of Xu Xi.

Perfectly aligned.

Shining on the surface of the alloy armor.

It’s a dazzling reflection like a gem, beautiful with a triumphant high, yet also cold, a heavy firepower armor that only genetic warriors are qualified to wield.

Tall, majestic, domineering.

With such a Power Armor, Xu Xi’s combat power will greatly increase.

At least.

He can face ordinary Rebellious Intelligent Machines without fear.

“Perhaps, it’s time to step out of the laboratory and take the initiative against those Intelligent Machines,” Xu Xi pondered seriously while examining the Power Armor.

He possesses Mechanical Force, which can amplify the power of machinery.

The already terrifying Power Armor will become even more fearsome.

However.

Caution is always the best policy.

It’s never wrong.

“Although this isn’t a major city of the Federation, there are still many Rebellious Intelligent Machines here, including Mechanical Eagles that completely dominate the skies over land.”

“In any case, I’m not yet qualified to be reckless.”

Xu Xi pondered deeply.

Just as he felt thirsty, a glass of water appeared before him at the right moment.

“Thank you,” Xu Xi took the water and drank it all in one go.

“It is my honor to serve you,” echoed the cold, synthesized electronic voice in the empty underground.

No emotion.

No fluctuation.

Suddenly, Xu Xi recalled the Witch from the past.

There are similarities between the Witch and the Mechanical Servant, but specifically, they are still different.

The Witch herself possesses emotions, but has closed herself off due to immense malice.

9090 is a heartless machine.

Its birth, its essence, are lifeless without a soul.

“The heart…” Reflecting on the past behavior of the Mechanical Servant, Xu Xi felt deeply moved, perhaps he might witness the birth of a miracle.

The splendid flower of the soul blooming on lifeless metal.

Radiating the glow of “humanity.”

Xu Xi had a strange premonition that the day would come soon.

“I need to go out to inspect the condition of the Solar Panels, the laboratory will be left to you for vigilance,” Xu Xi glanced at the time and found it was already afternoon.

He decided to inspect the layout of the outer Solar Panels before sunset.

“Yes, please rest assured.”

The core of the Mechanical Servant glowed with fluorescence.

A huge “smile” appeared on the screen.

Without Xu Xi’s instruction.

As Xu Xi walked to the door, naturally, mechanical arms and weapons slid along the tracks, attaching to Xu Xi’s body.

The location of the Solar Panels is not dangerous, most are in the light passages underground.

The few placed outside are also hidden using special techniques, not far from the underground laboratory.

But living in a dangerous apocalypse filled with Intelligent Machines.

Vigilance is necessary.

“Crack—crack—” Xu Xi clenched his fist, and in the next moment, the Exoskeleton Mechanical Arm synchronized with the corresponding action.

It bore mottled rust, with many metal armors damaged, revealing the internal mechanical structures and circuits.

This is normal.

After all, Xu Xi has been using it for several years.

During this time, whenever Xu Xi encountered danger, it was almost always the Mechanical Arm that turned the tide.

“Don’t worry, old friend, you’ll soon retire.”

“Once the Power Armor is fully adjusted and its energy replenished, it will be your turn to step down.”

Xu Xi walked out of the laboratory door.

The passage was dark, with low visibility.

Only a few golden sunbeams, passing through various dense crevices, barely reached the corners, adding light to this dark world.

Tap—

Tap—

Xu Xi walked very slowly.

The rise and fall of his steps caused a slight sway of his body, making the weapons and equipment on him collide and echo.

Such sounds are quite subtle.

But in the silent underground passage, any sound is instantly amplified several times.

Thus, the footsteps were crisp to the ear, startling the timid creatures in the dark, causing them to flee in panic.

“The energy provided by the Solar Panels is ultimately too limited.”

“Over the years, I’ve added many new panels, barely maintaining the operation of the water and electricity systems, but if it’s for that Power Armor…”

“Indeed, a new Energy System is needed.”

Xu Xi walked and thought.

This wasn’t his first time inspecting the Solar Panels.

Long-term repetition had formed muscle memory, allowing him to quickly check each location as he arrived.

Soon, the underground Solar Panels were inspected.

Xu Xi turned around and headed towards the surface, checking the few Solar Panels scattered near the entrances and exits.

By this time.

With the inspection work completed.

The sky gradually darkened.

The heat receded, the cold attacked, and tiny stars appeared in the sky.

Not very bright, but paired with the clear sky, it looked exceptionally gorgeous.

“Beautiful.”

Xu Xi praised, then packed up his items and turned to leave. Before completely departing, he noticed the camera’s angle was slightly raised.

Without much thought, Xu Xi quickened his pace to leave.

Soon.

Xu Xi returned to the familiar laboratory base.

Entering the door, while removing the heavy equipment, the familiar mechanical welcome sounded beside his ear:

“Welcome home, Master.”

“Yes, I’m back.”

Xu Xi said, instinctively looking towards the laboratory screen.

It was both the screen where 9090 expressed itself and the screen linked to the external surveillance cameras.

In the past, the screen only showed the entrance and exit.

But today was different.

Due to the camera’s raised angle, the screen displayed a starry, splendid night sky.

Inside the laboratory, everything was quiet, Xu Xi could feel being “watched” by that starry sky, observing its mystery and brilliance.